Judiciary Committee

If you are NOT testifying in person on a bill and want to submit a letter to be included in the official hearing record, the deadline to submit to Senator Ebke’s office is by 5:00 p.m. the day before the hearing. Also, you must note in your letter that you would like it to be made part of the official record.

The following is some further information to assist those who plan to testify in person to the committee.

The order in which the committee will take up bills will be as posted on the Agenda but will be subject to change at the discretion of the chairperson.

TESTIMONY:

There are yellow testifier sheets on the small table as you enter the hearing room. Fill out a yellow testifier sheet only if you actually plan to testify before the committee. Please legibly PRINT your name, complete address, position on the bill and who you represent regarding the bill on which you wish to testify.

Hand the yellow testifier sheet to the page as you come forward to testify.

There is also a separate sign-in sheet available at the small table for people who are present at the hearing who wish to express their support or opposition to a bill, but do not wish to testify. This sheet will be included as an exhibit in the official hearing record. Sign this sheet only if you are not testifying,

PROCEDURE:

The introducer of the bill will make an opening statement, followed by testimony from proponents, opponents and neutral testimony. Closings are reserved for the introducing senator only.

When you come forward to testify, hand your yellow sign in sheet to the page, and when you begin your testimony SPELL YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME for the transcribers even if they are common names.

We use a light system for all testifiers other than the introducer of the bill. There will be a 3 minute time limit for testimony though this does not include any questions that committee members may have for you. The green light will come on when you start, the yellow light is your one-minute warning, and the red light means to wrap up your final thought and stop.

SUGGESTIONS:

If you have a prepared statement, it is helpful to make it available to the committee. Written materials will be passed out by the pages and will be recorded as exhibits. 12 copies are needed for the committee members and staff.

Use of props is not allowed as they cannot be made part of the official record.

If you are following other testifiers, please listen to their comments and try not to be repetitive.